Student Senate: AI Policy in Schools

Approximate Total Time:

6-8 class periods (45–60 minutes each)

Summary

Give students the opportunity to become policymakers as they explore one of today's most important questions: How should artificial intelligence be used in schools?

In this six-lesson unit, students learn about artificial intelligence, the legislative process, and civic decision-making before stepping into the role of United States Senators. Working collaboratively, they research stakeholder perspectives, debate competing viewpoints, draft legislation, revise their proposals through committee review, and present their final AI policy for schools.

Along the way, students build AI literacy, civic knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills while learning how thoughtful policies are created through evidence, discussion, and compromise.

Students will:

• Explore the opportunities and challenges of AI in education.
• Learn how laws and policies are developed.
• Research the perspectives of students, educators, families, and administrators.
• Draft, debate, revise, and defend their own AI policy proposals.
• Experience the democratic process through authentic collaboration and civic engagement.

This project-based unit connects AI literacy with civics, helping students become informed, responsible participants in shaping the future of AI in education.